Organized as a private charity focused on cancer prevention, research and education, the fund has raised more than $500,000 since its founding shortly after the Heaven And Hell / Black Sabbath singer succumbed to the disease in May 2010. Monies raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research as well as the gastric cancer research arm of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where Dio was treated during the last six months of his life.

Dubbed the “Halloween Spooktacular,” the awards gala will take place at Hollywood’s Avalon and will feature gourmet food stations, a hosted bar and auctions both silent and live. There will also be an all-star rock ’n’ roll jam featuring Dio Disciples plus entertainment by performance troupe Cirque Berserk.

With award categories named after songs penned by Dio, the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund will honor the following:

Man On The Silver Mountain Award: Neil Warnock – founder and CEO of The Agency Group worldwide.

Rainbow In The Dark Award: Stanley J. Diamond – partner, Diamond & Wilson, and member of the board of directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

Killing The Dragon Award: Charlie Hernandez – president of QED Productions and veteran production manager. Hernandez, along with partner Lori Tierney, are the driving force behind non-profit organization Just A Bunch Of Roadies which responds to humanitarian crises.

“The support the Dio Cancer Fund has received since its beginnings shortly after Ronnie’s death has been overwhelming,” Dio’s widow, Wendy Dio, said. “Our mandate is cancer prevention, research and education, and we are proud and gratified to be able to recognize this year’s honorees for their contributions toward spreading the word about our mission. Ronnie would have been so proud of what we have accomplished so far, and he would especially have loved to party on Halloween.”

Tickets, including VIP packages, are on sale now. Visit DioCancerFund.org for more information.